My Birthday Thoughts

Twenty-three years ago today. October 2, 1995. A hefty 9lb 9oz baby girl with a headfull of jet black hair was born. Yep, that would be me. Am I officially an old maid now?

Honestly, I was hoping to have some deep, inspirational thoughts to post today. I have none. Instead, all I have been able to think about today is how richly I am blessed.

THANKFULNESS

According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary, the word THANKFULNESS means “1. Expression of gratitude; acknowledgment of a favor. 2. Gratitude; a lively sense of good received.”

To put what I am wanting to say simply – I am thankful and grateful for the blessings that God daily loads me with. Yes, that’s right. Daily. That is made quite clear in Psalm 68:19. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”

Every day that I wake up, I am blessed. I am blessed because I am still here on this earth – which means that God still has a purpose and a plan for me here. Personally, I find that exciting!

I am thankful to be in a Christian family. I am thankful to be part of a church that God is working in and through. I am thankful for friends – old friends who are practically family, and new friends who are very special to me. I am thankful for the people who have supported and encouraged and helped me to pursue my writing. I am thankful to have the opportunity to lift up my voice in song to minister to others.

Most of all – above all… I am so very thankful for my salvation. To think that the God who created the universe, the God who spoke the world into existence… this same God knew me before I was ever conceived. He knew how many hairs would be on my head. He knew my name. He knew all about me. My good points and my bad points. And He loved me. Before I was ever born, He loved me. Two thousand years ago, He loved me enough to send His only begotten Son to die in my place – so that I might live with Him forever.

You might say, “Jesus came for everyone, not just you.” You’re absolutely right. Which means that it is just as personal for you as it is for me.

God is not just an All-Powerful Being… He is my Father. And He loves me. And I love Him.

“We love him, because he first loved us.” ~ 1 John 4:19

I am so thankful for the forgiveness and restoration and adoption that I received that day as a 5 year old in the back seat of my mom’s Acura.

While typing this, some lyrics came to my mind from a song by my friend Ashton Roach. The song is called “He Loves Me.” The words I was remembering say – “He loves me. He died for me. I was dirty – He made me clean. Now my robe is now white as snow…”

The love of God surpasses understanding! At least it does mine!

So, for my birthday, I am counting my blessings. Well, actually, I don’t know if I will… they are far too many to count! I’m just filled with gratefulness for each and every one!!